Nurse’s death: Family’s wait for mortal remains gets longer

MANGALURU: The long wait for the mortal remains of Hazel Jyotsna Mathias, who died under mysterious conditions in Saudi Arabia, has caused mental trauma to her family back in India. It has been two months since her death, and despite their best efforts, the body is yet to reach home.
According to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, it will take some more time to complete the formalities. “My family and I are going through mental trauma ever since her death. There is no proper communication and updates from Saudi Arabia about her death and the procedures involved. Those who have supported us so far, have now had to get on with their lives. We are trying our best to get her back and see her face again,” said Ashwin Mathias, the husband of Jyotsna, while speaking to TOI on recent developments in the issue.

He added that as per the information reaching them, almost 80 per cent of the formalities have been completed. “We want to expedite the procedures. Of late, we learnt that Saudi officials will not hand over details about the cause of death and investigation. We will fight for justice,” he added.

Jyotsna was working in Al Miqua General Hospital in Abha province, Jeddah, from the last six years. Her last conversation with her family members and husband was on July 19.

Meanwhile in a tweet to this reporter, The Consulate General of India (CGI), Jeddah, said, “Hazel’s file has been sent by the hospital to the head office for approval of dues and to end service benefits. The approval has not been granted so far. Once approval is received, the hospital will issue a death report and dues will be cleared. The attorney has assured to submit death report and police report to us after he obtains it from local authorities for NOC. We are putting pressure on local authorities for early completion of procedures, so that Jyotsna’s mortal remains are transported to India at the earliest. CGI has been doing all it can to expedite the process.”

It’s a suicide: Embassy

In a twitter reply to this reporter, the embassy said the nurse ended her life. No concrete details about this were shared. “As it is a case of suicide, the Saudi authorities have been investigating the matter. CGI has already requested for a detailed report on the issue, and a response is awaited. Rest assured, it’s a priority case for us,” the Twitter reply added.

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